Vipers SC have surged to the top of the Uganda Premier League table following a well-earned 2-0 triumph against Mbarara City at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

Goals from Allan Okello and Karim Watambala secured the Venoms’ eighth victory in 11 league outings this season.

The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute when referee Diana Murungi pointed to the spot after determining that Mbarara goalkeeper Fahad Emuran had brought down Milton Karisa in the box.

Okello, still fresh from missing a penalty for the Uganda Cranes against Tanzania at the recent AFCON, stepped up confidently and slotted home, even though Emuran dived the correct direction.

Vipers extended their lead shortly after the restart, just five minutes into the second half.

As Mbarara pressed forward aggressively, defender Mulambuzi’s error allowed Watambala to intercept the ball, race through, and coolly slot into an unguarded net.

Operating without a permanent head coach since parting ways with Simon Peter Mugerwa in November, Mbarara City found it difficult to fashion meaningful opportunities.

The visitors were left frustrated by the penalty decision, with further defensive lapses proving costly.

With a match still in hand, Vipers now sit atop the standings on 27 points, one clear of second-placed KCCA, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Police FC.